A SURVEY OF THE IMPORTANT CAUSES OF USING ALCOHOL AMONG "ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS COMMUNITY" MEMBERS IN KARAJ CITY IN 2008

Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, is a disabling addictive
disorder. A combination of supportive therapy and counseling approach are helpful in harm-reduction
approach. This study was conducted to find the reasons of alcohol dependence among members of
Alcoholic Anonymous in Karaj city during 2007-2008.
Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study included 227 cases of Alcoholic Anonymous
community of Karaj that were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a
questionnaireand and were analyzed by descriptive statidtical methods.
Results: The results demonstrated that individual causes with the mean of 41.91 and standard
deviation of 9.1 have high effect; lack of peer and family support has moderate effect with mean of
27.1 and standard deviation of 8.4; and mental and psychological factors with mean of 36.8 and
standard deviation of 9.2 has high effect; and socioeconomical factors with the mean of 24.1 and
standard deviation of 5.4 has high effect in misuse of alcohol. Also there were significant correlations
between: individual factors and age (P=0.006); personal factors and job (P=0.04); family support and
mother's education (P=0.006); family support and self- education (P=0.001); family support and job
(P=0.002); and mental factors and socioeconomic status (P=0.047).
Conclusion: Targeting adolescents and young adults is regarded as an important step to reduce the
harm of alcohol abuse. Discovering the reasons of misusing alcohol and restricting the leading causes
is recommended as additional ways of reducing the harm of alcohol dependence and abuse